Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Danzo raised his head, his single eye gleaming coldly:

"With low morale and increasing casualties at the front, your Shadow Guard is the most elite squad in Konoha in recent years. Isn't this the time when they are needed?"

"Besides... wasn't the conflict with Iwagakure caused by the Shadow Guard's 'excessive' completion of their missions?"

"They have a responsibility and an obligation to dedicate everything to the village!"

Danzo was well aware of Hiruzen Sarutobi's high regard for Aogo, but seeing that brat who had ruined his plans "comfortably" wasting time in a place like the Chunin Exams...

How can he maintain his mental balance?

After much thought, he finally came up with a good idea as the conflict between Konoha and Iwagakure escalated on the border.

Sending the Shadow Guards to the battlefield is a calculated move!

Didn't you, Hiruzen Sarutobi, claim that everything you do is for the village? I'd like to see how you refuse!

"The Shadow Guard has a more important mission than a field squad," the Third Hokage tried to politely decline.

"Heh... An important mission? Is it to become an examiner for the Chunin Exams?" Danzo pressed on.

"..."

"Hiruzen, in this time of crisis for the village, the most elite force should be at the forefront."

"Danzo, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You offended Qingwu in the capital, but you should know that Onoki has been watching Qingwu. Did you put him on the battlefield to use him as a tool to kill someone?"

"Hiruzen, this isn't the kind of naive thing for someone our age to say. The Kage's deployment not only intimidates Iwagakure, but it also tells the entire village that those around the Hokage are willing to die for Konoha!"

"..."

"I have already spread the word. If the Shadow Guard avoids battle at this time, morale will collapse, the village council will gossip, and the frontline ninjas will lose heart."

"Danzo, you actually acted on your own initiative."

"Hmph, Hiruzen, I'll make this clear today: I have no intention of using someone else to do my dirty work. All my suggestions have been for the sake of the village from beginning to end."

"..."

The third generation leader fell silent again.

One of the most important reasons why he couldn't gain the upper hand in today's conversation was that Danzo's arguments were impeccable.

The Shadow Guard is indeed the most elite squad in Konoha in recent years. Its members not only have Wood Release bloodline limit, but also have two Jonin.

And no one mentioned it.

In such a critical moment on the border, if he refuses any suggestions offered, he will be suspected of being a "private soldier of the Hokage, avoiding war and living a life of luxury."

The Third Hokage was fully convinced that if he refused today, Danzo would definitely steer the rumors in that direction, thereby making the public dissatisfied with the Shadow Guard and even the Hokage behind them.

"Sun Slayer!"

Danzo urged in a deep voice, "If you disagree, I suggest we hold a Jonin meeting to vote on it..."

"I understand!" The Third Hokage interrupted Danzo.

He saw through Danzo's plot, but he couldn't refuse—the village's interests were paramount, even in a meeting, and the reason for "avoiding war" would only damage the reputation of the Shadow Guard.

"The Shadow Guard will be deployed."

The Third Hokage closed his eyes, then opened them a moment later. "We'll set off after the Chunin Exams."

As the Hokage, when faced with the greater good, he cannot simply protect one person; he must protect the entire village!

Danzo revealed a triumphant, sinister smile, his mouth slightly open:

"Of course, the Shadow Guard is directly under the Hokage, and no one but you can command them."

After saying that, he opened the door and left.

"boom!"

The office door closed, and the Third Generation sighed softly.

Danzo's stab today hit the mark.

Human energy is ultimately limited.

To avoid fighting on two fronts, he has been busy this year pushing for peace talks with Kumogakure, which allowed Danzo to exploit a loophole.

However... there's a huge difference between going to the battlefield and actually "going to the battlefield".

The Third Hokage closed his eyes again, pondering how to both... and...

Since it is inevitable that the Shadow Guards will go to the battlefield, we need to find a way to get them to do some less dangerous tasks.

The commander of the northwestern border of the Land of Fire has been fully taken over by Nara Shikaku, who arrived to provide support last time, with Shirakumo Hayato serving as his deputy.

They're all our own people.

only……

The Third Hokage opened his eyes and thought of another possibility: he couldn't guarantee that Danzo, who had no bottom line, wouldn't sell information about Seigo to Iwagakure.

If Onoki were to personally intervene, the Shadow Guard would likely still face the risk of annihilation.

The negotiations with Yunyin have reached a critical stage, and he is currently unable to personally oversee the battle at the border.

This is...

The third generation leader found himself in a difficult situation.

Danzo seized the perfect opportunity this time.

"Clap!"

The third generation clapped his hands.

call out!

A masked member of the secret service appeared in front of the desk and knelt on one knee.

"Go and summon the Shadow Guards."

"Yes!"

The figures from the shadows disappeared.

The third generation leader withdrew his gaze and fell into deep thought again.

He planned to personally speak with the members of the Shadow Guard and hear their opinions.

Previous actions have already proven that both Kakashi and Senju Seigo are highly intelligent ninjas.

Perhaps... the person involved can offer some ideas for breaking the deadlock.

……

Chapter 117 Going to the Battlefield

Today's exams are over.

As Qingwu left the venue and arrived at the entrance of the Death Forest, he encountered the Dark Guard who had come to deliver a message.

"The Hokage summons me?"

"I see!"

Qingwu changed direction and headed towards the Hokage Building.

Not long after, the door to the Hokage's office was pushed open, and four figures entered one after another.

The third generation leader raised his head, his gentle gaze sweeping over the four people.

The teenagers are at the age of growth and development, and compared with when the Shadow Guard was first established last year, everyone has changed quite a bit.

Kakashi's former sharpness has been somewhat tempered;

Qingwu stood with her eyes lowered, her demeanor appearing even more composed;

Tenzo straightened his back and became respectful towards the Hokage.

The setting sun stood quietly at the end, her dark attire further emphasizing her cool and aloof demeanor.

"Lord Hokage!"

Led by Captain Kakashi, the four of them bowed in unison.

The third generation head nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible emotion: "You've come."

Knock knock knock—

The Third Hokage tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, then turned his gaze to the Hokage Rock outside the window, remaining silent for the time being.

The office was quiet for a moment, with only the soft rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window.

The four members of the Shadow Guard exchanged glances.

They could sense that the old man in front of them seemed to be... hesitating?

After a moment, the Third Hokage finally broke the silence and said slowly, "I called you here today because there is something that the Shadow Guard must carry out."

Kakashi said in a deep voice, "Lord Hokage, please give your orders!"

The Third Hokage turned his gaze away from the window and back to the four members of the Shadow Guard. His tone became more serious: "The border conflict has escalated, and the war is becoming increasingly intense."

Qingwu looked up in surprise.

He wanted to go to the battlefield all last year but couldn't, and now it's come to him on its own?

As he expected, the Third Hokage continued, "Therefore, as the Hokage, I have decided—the Shadow Guard, set out!"

Of the four, Xiyan trembled.

Go to the battlefield...

When they graduated, the Third Shinobi World War had already ended, but they never expected that they would still have to walk onto the legendary and terrifying battlefield.

The atmosphere in the office grew even heavier with the mention of the third generation's "departure."

Kakashi calmly asked, "Hokage-sama, what is the mission of the Shadow Guard?"

A hint of approval flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes... If it weren't for those events, Kakashi would have been one of the most outstanding leaders of the next generation.

"You will be placed under the command of Nara Shikaku and stationed in the rear," the Third Hokage said.